Wallabies inspired for All Blacks test as Nathan Charles visits camp after MND Diagnosis

Les Kiss’s side prepare to chase an unforgettable victory at Eden Park and end the All Blacks 53-Test streak.

Charles, who earned four Test caps for Australia in 2014, joined the Wallabies ahead of their captain’s run in Auckland after revealing his devastating diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND) last week.

His presence provided a powerful reminder of the resilience that has defined his life and career, with Wallabies captain Harry Wilson explaining how much it meant to have 'Cheezy' back among the squad.

"It's really special to have him here," Wilson said to Rugby.com AU.

"It's terrible what he's been diagnosed with, but just seeing him around here, he's got a smile on his face, and he was joking with the boys, and he's just really happy to be here."

Charles has overcome extraordinary adversity throughout his life. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just three months old.

He made his Wallabies debut in 2014 before continuing his professional career with clubs in Australia, England and France, and retiring in 2018.

His recent MND diagnosis has brought an outpouring of support from across the sporting community.

Charles was also honoured alongside fellow MND sufferer and NRL star Jai Arrow at the NRL Grand Final, while a fundraising campaign for his family has reportedly already raised more than $170,000.

Now, his focus is on supporting the Wallabies as they prepare for one of their most significant challenges in decades.

Australia head into Saturday's clash carrying genuine belief after an unbeaten start to life under Kiss, with four victories and a draw in their opening five Tests.

Their remarkable 42–38 victory over South Africa in Perth, achieved despite being reduced to 11 players during a frantic late passage, has strengthened the conviction that this Wallabies side can end the streak at Eden Park.

"I think we learned a lot in that South Africa game, and especially that last 10-12 minutes," Wilson said.

"I started for the team, which wasn't great (laughs), but in saying that, a lot of those yellow cards were deserved. The care the boys showed in the jersey, fighting and making South Africa fight for every single try, was something I was really proud of.

"It's given us a lot of confidence to know that even with 11 men, the boys will keep showing up and make the other team earn every try they get."

Charles's visit has added another emotional dimension to that belief.

"I know he's come over here wanting to see a great Wallaby result, and he's given us a bit of confidence. It's just really special to have someone like him here," Wilson said.

For Wilson and his teammates, the opportunity to give Charles a memorable result adds extra meaning to a fixture already laden with history.

There are legitimate reasons for the Wallabies to believe in their ability for a historic win at Eden Park.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, enter the contest under pressure following three consecutive defeats to South Africa during the.

Injuries have also forced changes to their combinations, with Richie Mo'unga ruled out after suffering a hamstring tear, as Damian McKenzie steps into the fly-half role.

Veteran Beauden Barrett has been selected at fullback, while New Zealand must also contend with the absence of key players including Ardie Savea and Ruben Love.

Kiss has largely retained the starting side that defeated South Africa, with Isaac Henry replacing the suspended Hunter Paisami in the midfield. That continuity should help Australia arrive in Auckland with a settled group and a clear understanding of their roles.